Set up your Dell Computer

NOTE- If you purchased the complete system like the Dell GX260 Desktop PC , the contents of the box should include a monitor, desktop PC, keyboard and mouse.

You will need to make sure you have the following before setting up your PC.

1. Any available 110/115V household outlet.
2. A surge protector to protect your investment- there are many different kinds. Pick the best product for your needs. The square kind works better for computers than the standard, long strips because many scanners, printers, and sound systems have larger AC adaptors/power cords that can cover up other outlets.
3. A stable working surface to set up your computer.

Start with the box- open very carefully and inspect the contents a piece at a time as you remove them.

• Remove the desktop or tower.

• Next, remove the CRT or LCD monitor.   

• Remove the key board and mouse.

• Last, remove all packing material and check the material and the box carefully.

Check to be sure that all cords and cables are included. 

Power cables:

You should have two power cables with a three-pronged grounded plug on one end and a smaller, female connector with three slots on the other end.

These are for your CRT monitor and your PC.

Note- some LCD Monitors have a different power supply.

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You should have a cable that comes out of the back of the CRT monitor near the bottom.  The CRT cable is usually not removable.  If you purchased an LCD monitor, you might have a separate cable. Both cables will look similar to this- they may be white or black in color:

Set Up:

1. Set the Dell desktop or tower on a stable surface with the back of the computer facing toward you.
2. Set the CRT or LCD monitor on a stable surface.  Plug the power cord into the back of the monitor. Do not plug it into the power strip yet.
3. Find the cable that attaches to the monitor.  Look at the connector- there should be 2 thumb screws on either side of a receptacle that contains small pin-like connectors.
4. Now look at the back of your Dell desktop or tower. There will be a connector on the back.  It may be close to other connectors or it may be separated. This connector –or port, will have holes in it.  Carefully plug the end of the monitor cable into the monitor port.  Do not force it.  Once the cable end is plugged in securely, tighten the thumbscrews snugly but not too tight. This will ensure a good video connection.
5. Plug the female end of one of the power cables into the back of the monitor.
6. Now, find the keyboard cable.  Locate the plug on the back that is made for the keyboard.  It should be a round connection with holes in it and a spacer slot. Sometimes it is color- coded purple. Gently plug the keyboard cable in into the PS-2.
7. Locate the mouse cable; plug it into the connector next to where you plugged in the keyboard.
8. If you also purchased a separate speaker system, find the speaker jack and plug it into the light green connector on the back of your Dell desktop.
9. Arrange all of the components on your table or desk.  Make sure that your monitor is on a stable surface that will hold its weight, and that there is a least 3 inches of clearance behind the desktop for airflow.
10. Next, plug the three-slotted plug into the back of your PC’s power supply.
11. Make sure your surge protector is turned off, and plug in the power supply for your speakers, your monitor, and your PC.
12. Plug in and turn on your surge protector.
13. Turn on your speaker system and adjust your volume.
14. Press the power button on your monitor once.  Note- a light on the front of your monitor may blink, or you may get a message that displays on your screen that states- (“no video input”).  This is ok.
15. Press the power button on the front of your dell desktop.
16. Since the computer has been unplugged during shipping, it may take a few minutes for your screen to display.
17. Your Computer may display a few seconds of “boot” information.  This is the computer’s normal startup process.
18. Depending upon the operating system (ie Windows XP, Linux, etc)that has been installed on your hard drive you should see a welcome screen display.
19. The next display should be a screen known as your “desktop”. This is where it all begins.